Once again Christmas has arrived with a less than subtle bang. The shops are flooded with the sound of Christmas carols and the advertising marketing machine is well at work to encourage us to spend up big. Somehow they entice us to believe that the more gifts we give and receive the happier we will be. However, deep down we know that really isn’t in the case! Once the wrapping is off and the glitter is taken away we come up as empty as ever. Can I encourage you this Christmas give something different, something that can really make a difference.

In Galatians 5 we discover the Fruit of the Spirit and one manifestation of the fruit is Kindness or Mercy. What if we were to take the kindness and mercy that God has given to us and lavish onto other human beings. What if, like Jesus, we extended kindness and mercy to those who don’t really deserve it? What if we could give a gift of forgiveness to those who have hurt us? What if we could release those who have betrayed us? What if we truly extended the gift of kindness and mercy to all? Who knows, maybe then people would see a church that doesn’t just talk about the love of God, but one that actually displays it to the world around.

Years ago there was a film released called ‘Pay It Forward’ – it was about a young boy who came up with a utopian idea of changing the world through people helping each other with acts of kindness. The kindness would compound as it was paid forward rapidly creating a perfect world. I wonder what would happen if the Church took seriously the mandate that freely we have received from God so freely we should give. What would be the impact of this gift on the world?

I wonder, if that is how the next great move of God will breakout across the face of the earth. When we as Christians, on behalf of God, extend kindness to all people. People will experience the wonder of a God who loves them enough to send someone to care for their need. Friends, what a difference that would make! A wise man once said “There is nothing like local church when it is working well”.

Don’t give a cheap gift this year that will be easily discarded, give a gift from God that will impact people for a lifetime.

Freely you have received so Freely give this Christmas.

Bless ya heaps,
Ps Kev
Keep searching out the truth
For the Truth brings freedom and life, to yourself and to others.